The Mikes are brimming with holiday cheer as the days get shorter and the lights get brighter. Extra bright, in fact, at Carmichaels’ annual Light Up Night in town square Saturday, December 6.
As many locals have remarked over the years, having a town square is a special asset to a community these days where a central town location is a thing of the past in many communities. This thriving pocket of Carmichaels is famous for its quaint, small-time vibe especially at Christmas time when restaurants, coffee shops, and novelty stores are decked out in full festivity.
Carmichaels faculty and staff note that, unlike many other communities, the school and town are integral parts of each other’s existence. Carmichaels Area School District and the surrounding community are synonymous, so it’s no surprise that events like Light Up Night are equally intertwined.
Students from Carmichaels Area Middle/High School represented their respective clubs and organizations through their demonstrations of Christmas traditions around the world. The Senior Class and other clubs entertained young guests with activities like creating DIY reindeer food as the marching band set the mood with their festive arrangement of Christmas marches and tunes. Tubas and all traded in their blue and gold for flashing shades of red and green.
Other local businesses contributed to the merriment, too. Employees of First Federal Savings and Loan were found on their corner handing out hot chocolate to Carmichaels residents and visitors on a chilly, winter evening. The Carmichaels Borough contributed hot dogs to the evening, while the Nemacolin Firehall represented with coloring for children. Press-On Bakes and Brews held extended hours for the event.
Members of the Carmichaels Activity Center presented line dancing at intervals during the event, and DJ Dave Plavi underscored the rest with festive tunes.
Miss Merry Christmas Olivia Mata proudly represented Carmichaels in the Waynesburg Christmas Parade earlier in the day, then headed back to her hometown to make an appearance at Light Up Night.
CASD is also proud to announce a successful “round two” of the Tales on the Trail story walk, this time in a Christmas edition. Middle and High School students dressed as timeless Christmas characters from beloved books, movies, and cartoons to make the elementary walking track come alive with the magic of reading to kick off the season.
